An iconic Manchester building has been a part of the city’s skyline for decades, but since 2013, it has stood empty and decaying.
The Hollings Building - better known as the Toast Rack - was built in Fallowfield in Manchester in 1960 and was first used as the Domestic Trades College and became part of Manchester Polytechnic. The building was later used by the Manchester Metropolitan University until the closure of its Hollings Campus in 2013.
The MEN recently wrote an article about the abandoned Toast Rack building and included photos taken by Lost Places & Forgotten Faces which show the derelict state of the building. After reading the article, many readers shared their memories of studying at the building between the 1960s and the 1990s.
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In the comments section of the original article, one reader said: “Studied Consumer Science here in the 90s, such happy memories of this building, MMU and living the student life in Withington - seeing these gave me a real sense of loss.
“It would be great to see it developed into something useful but I imagine once it has fallen apart enough, they will knock it down on H&S grounds, listed or not listed. Great time though, I wish I could do it over again.”
Someone else wrote: “I had a really good time at Hollings, met some great friends. Such a great shame to see its present state!”
Commenting on the state of the building, one person said: “My favourite building in Manchester. So sad to see these pics.” Another wrote: “It’s a shame to see this iconic building in such a bad state. Shameful.”
Under the MEN Facebook post sharing the article, Helen wrote: “This is heart-breaking. So many good memories of my Uni days in that building.” Joanne replied: “Me too. Had to climb the stairs to the top floor so many times when the lift wasn't working! A drink in the bar at dinnertime and I was asleep for afternoon lectures!”
Norman added: “I can't believe I went to college there in the 60s, fantastic building.” Shirley commented: “Went there in the 60s when it was Domestic and Trades college and didn't really appreciate it then as an iconic building, it was just the Toast Rack college. Such a shame it’s in a very bad state and desperately needs someone to revive it before it’s too late.”
Simon tagged a friend and said: “Sure you went here. How sad to see it as this, eh?” with Mark replying: “Wow! That’s shocking!!!!” Sue added: “So sad, it was an amazing building.”
Andrea tagged a friend and wrote: “Some good memories of this place!!” with Sofeena replying: “So many good memories! It's sad to see it in this state.”
Manchester Council told the MEN : "The Toast Rack building is privately owned after being sold by Manchester Met Uni in 2014. Planning permission was granted to develop the site - albeit keeping the Toast Rack building itself as it's Grade II listed." Despite being bought by developers in 2014, the Toast Rack continues to stand empty and decaying.
Did you study at the Toast Rack? Share your memories in the comments section below.
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